2018 Subaru WRX Oil Type & Capacity
The 2018 Subaru WRX oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts with filter); the Limited, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts with filter); the Limited, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts with filter); the Premium, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts with filter); the Premium, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts with filter); the STI takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts with filter); the STI Limited takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts with filter); the STI Type RA takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Limited, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Limited, Standard Trans: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Premium, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Premium, Standard Trans: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- STI: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- STI Limited: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- STI Type RA: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — Base,Limited,Premium | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | — |
| Limited, Automatic CVT Trans — Base,Limited,Premium | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | — |
| Limited, Standard Trans — Base,Limited,Premium | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | — |
| Premium, Automatic CVT Trans — Base,Limited,Premium | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | — |
| Premium, Standard Trans — Base,Limited,Premium | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | — |
| STI — STI,STI Limited,STI Type RA | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| STI Limited — STI,STI Limited,STI Type RA | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| STI Type RA — STI,STI Limited,STI Type RA | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your WRX
2018 Subaru WRX factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.7 quarts (8.23 L) — SUBARU Super Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2018 Subaru WRX take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-30; Limited, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; Limited, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; Premium, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; Premium, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; STI uses 5W-30; STI Limited uses 5W-30; STI Type RA uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2018 Subaru WRX take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Limited, Automatic CVT Trans holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Limited, Standard Trans holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Premium, Automatic CVT Trans holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Premium, Standard Trans holds 5.4 quarts with filter; STI holds 4.5 quarts with filter; STI Limited holds 4.5 quarts with filter; STI Type RA holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2018 Subaru WRX?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2018 Subaru WRX. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.